Phew, dance class.

First dance practice back after a month today. I am feeling much better about my lack of motivation to practice now. It seems that I just didn't know where I was going to be heading with my steps, but now that I do, I know what needs to happen.

Most of practice tonight was tweaking small things about my steps. I am learning this fancy new leap thing I can't even describe (or do well) for my slip jig lead. Two small parts have been changed in my treble jig, one to add variety in my second step, and another to fix (read: cover up) some rhythm part in my third step. There has also been a tweak to the beginning of one of my sets (The Hunt) which needs major practice as it involves something I've never done before. I am also learning the open champ version of Drunken Gauger. THAT will be a doozy to finish learning and to eventually perform for nationals and the Oireachtas (and other feiseanna too).

I did find out senior ladies is doing reel/hornpipe for nationals and the Os for this year. (YES YES YES!! OH MY GOD, YES!!) I ALSO found out that it's 99% confirmed that I will be attending the 2011 World Irish dance championships in Dublin! And probably not just for solos too, but we also might be taking the figure.

Okay, all this positive from dance class tonight, did leave one negative. . . my feet are killing me (blisters), and my muscles are weak, so I am sore. . .

Goals: Turnout and break in shoes

Days till worlds: 99

Oireachtas Workshop, Days 3 & 4

Day 3:
This was at the Falls Church location, and I could go on and on about how much I hate dancing on that floor. My shin splints are back, thanks to my friends linoleum and concrete. I also thought I had pulled a muscle in my quad doing a lift for my slip jig. Turns out, it's just a very sore muscle. I learned a new third step for my treble jig, which just needs practice getting it to music. We also practiced the large figure dance from the workshop this past June, and phew! we remembered most of it. I can't wait till it's all put together and perfect like it was at the workshop. It's going to be awesome.

Day 4:
I was very suprised when I woke up in the morning and could walk! Dancing wasn't so bad either. Just some fine tuning for slip jig, and trying to get my third treble jig to music, as well as keeping up with my set. We also practiced the figure again today, and I filled in for one of the boys. Basically I got dragged along for five minutes, and it was apparently very funny to watch. It helps when I'm about half of the other two guys dancing...

I've got all my stuff learned for the solo portion on the Oireachtas, and I'm feeling pretty confident about it all. I'm so excited. I also think I'm going to be the only one who will miss dancing every night for four hours. Geek.

Goals: Videos of SJ, TJ, and Hunt
Days till Os: 105

Oireachtas Workshop, Day 1

I spent four hours dancing tonight and loved every minute of it.
Today was day one of a four day workshop to get everything sorted out for the Oireachtas. I've gotten my slip jig sorted out, and I am no longer doing the two steps I hate. Yay! I've got a new second and half step that I think will suit me much better. I also have started learning my set dance, The Hunt. I've gotten the entire step down, and mostly with music. I'm hoping to finish learning it Wednesday. All in all it was very exciting, and I can't wait to do it all over again in two days!

Although I could go without the sore quads and aching calluses.

Speaking of the Os. . . my hotel is booked! I'll be staying about a block away from the venue, at the Westin, which, I have been informed, has an ice skating rink in it! (Because I won't be busy dancing or anything. . . ) My mom and I are trying to plan something fun to do in Dallas since we've never actually stopped there long enough to leave the airport; however, I don't know if I'll be needed for the figure on Sunday.

Goals: Get the new SJ and set to music and take video of them
Days till Os: 109